Category: Korean Dramas

“A Good Supper” & Other K-dramas about Orphans

Jae-Ha Kim

Because Korea has a long and complicated history with the purity of bloodlines and a general disdain for adoptees, I had always found it strange that so many Korean dramas dealt with issues that the mainstream media was reticent to cover. But in some ways, K-dramas can be very progressive in covering touchy topics. Hopefully, seeing orphans and adoptees depicted simply as children who deserve to be loved and cared for — like any child — is helping to lessen the stigma of kids whose biological parents are no longer in their lives.

“The Penthouse 2: War in Life” and More Makjang K-Dramas

Jae-Ha Kim

“The Penthouse” got a lot of notoriety because of screenwriter Kim Soon-Ok’s makjang storylines, which were both a lot of fun and over the top. That said, there are plenty of other Korean dramas that hold their own when it comes to being overly dramatic (in a good way). 

“Minari”: Deconstructing the American Dream

Jae-Ha Kim

Lee Isaac Chung is an astute filmmaker, who pays close attention to the smallest details. With “Minari,” he has created a universally relatable film, while inserting elements that are specifically Korean.

“To All the Boys: Always and Forever” Review: A Beautiful Vacation

Jae-Ha Kim

While “To All the Boys” author Jenny Han may have no desire to write a fourth book in this series, wouldn’t it be fun if Kitty got a spinoff? She could move to Seoul to become a K-pop trainee, learn Korean, and reunite with her crush Dae (Jeon Ho-Young). TATB doesn’t have to end with Lara Jean and Peter. With a little bit of tweaking, it can go on always and forever.

“The Uncanny Counter” (경이로운 소문)

Jae-Ha Kim

Well written and terrifically acted, “The Uncanny Counter” is suspenseful and heartwarming. And in a rarity for Korean dramas, there is no second lead syndrome romance to mess with the plot.

“Penthouse: War in Life” (펜트하우스)

Jae-Ha Kim

“Penthouse” starts off with the most makjang storyline of the year. This deliciously gripping female-centric series revolves around rival classical singers and includes a (dun dun dun!) switched-at-birth plot twist. Did I mention that one of male characters has a torture chamber in his home, because, why not? Mixed in with the outrageous content is a parable about the haves and the have nots.

“Kairos” (카이로스)

Jae-Ha Kim

“Kairos” starts off promising and is reminiscent of the best elements of “Signal.” But where the latter kept the suspense going until the end, “Kairos” fizzles out midway, with redundant story arcs and some characters that are not only irredeemable, but highly unlikeable. And I’m not talking just about the villains.

“Start-Up” (스타트업)

Jae-Ha Kim

“Start-Up” has a second male lead (Kim Seon-ho) who is so charismatic that his storyline often overshadows that of the very handsome lead (Nam Joo-hyuk). Ultimately, the K-Drama reinforces the idea that no matter how broken a family is, the ties remain – for better or worse.